Paddy's Day

Happy [belated] St. Patrick's Day!

I spent some time at Norb Andy's, selling beer for the parade-watchers...watched the Quiet Man at home with Jake and Evelyn...and then went out with my girls last night!

Pictures to follow.  :)

I hope you ate some corned beef and cabbage, drank some green beer, and danced to your heart's content.

Happy March!

Today has been one of those amazing do-nothing-and-sit-on-your-butt kind of days.  Jake had to work, so Evie and I have been doing the bare minimum to keep ourselves entertained.  We started on some dishes until Evie dumped a considerable amount of dirty water on the floor.  Did a few loads of laundry...


And while my sweet baby rests her eyes, I managed to sneak into bed with comforters all pulled up...Diet Pepsi and Oreo in hand so I can type my blog for the day.

I find it so amusing that I have all this knowledge floating around in my head and then suddenly...*poof*...it comes to the forefront of my mind like I had an epiphany when in all actuality I knew it all along. 

One thing that struck me today is how very much alike my daughter and I are.  While she is not the spitting image of me physically, that girl definitely has some "Sarah Lewis" running through her veins...she mimics a lot of what I do, my facial expressions, my mannerisms.  Naturally, I find this truly endearing.  And it also makes me think about how special my determined, ornery daughter is.



Another thing I noticed recently is that I am much harder on myself than I need to be.  I beat myself up over minute details, hold myself to ridiculous standards, and crash when I realize that they are unobtainable.  I began to notice this a few months ago and have been working on the time management and goal-setting, which has led to much more success in reaching my goals.  Turning a new leaf, I am more confident...I have better self-esteem because I have learned how to set myself up for success and not failure.



I hope that you all are enjoying your Sunday as much as I am reveling in mine.  Here's too many more relaxing days with your loved ones.



XOXO,

Sarah.

PeterPaulandMary. Zen.

I am in a foul mood, and I absolutely hate it.  Instead of complaining about my incident that made me so mad tonight, I am going to make myself a drink and smoke a cigarette to mellow out.
Just kidding!  This is not Mad Men here.  I don't cope with my problems with destructive behavior!  No, I am going to center myself with medatative breathing and then go to the gym tomorrow.

When did I become so boring?

Comeback

Our laptop decided to go kaput...and now it is back, better than ever!  Oh, how I missed you blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I must warn you that since the beginning of the year I changed a few things.  My hair is shorter.  My will power has strengthened.  I am on pound 22 of my 50 pound weight loss goal.  YES!

Oh, and I started going to roller derby practice.  Yes, folks, this is the new me!  I am setting my sites on what I want and going for it.  I got perserverance, yo.

And this is the end to my first blog back.  Stayed tuned so you can eat your heart out. 

Identity

Yesterday (and this morning), Evelyn asked me, "Mommy, what's your name?" to which I responded quickly, "Mommy!"

Source: bing.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Her question got me to thinking about how we all identify ourselves to one another in a given context. Ways in which I identify myself in no particular order:

• Evelyn's mommy
• Sarah Lewis
• Sarah McCoy
• Jake's wife
• Shift supervisor/Panera employee
• Jessie and Rachel's sister
• Doug and Julie's daughter
• Francine's granddaughter
• God's child
• Social work student
• Former AmeriCorps member

The list could go on and on.  I guess what I am trying to say is that how you identify yourself says a lot about the kind of person you are. 

I know that some moms have a need to have a separate identity that is solely themselves and not "Mommy" in the slightest.  I understand the need, some days I feel it more than others, but I have come to terms that no matter what activity I am participating in or where I go, "Mommy" will never leave my identity.  This doesn't upset, anger, or frustrate me.  This is what's called being a mom.  No matter where I am, Evelyn is a part of my heart now, and that is why she is part of my first identity.

Source: bing.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I am not just Sarah McCoy.  I am Mommy.

Thankful and Grateful

While a little belated, I wanted to let everyone what a wonderful Thanksgiving we had! We spent the first part of it with my mom's side of the family and then headed over to the McCoys. We ate too much food and enjoyed each other's company, and then ended the night with the most terrible temper tantrum from our little lady. I am so thankful that we were able to see of all our family!

Here are some pictures of the fam.

This year I am thankful for:

My job. At times I am completely frustrated, but I love it nonetheless. I have a wonderful group of people that I spend time with 45 hours a week. The morning of Thanksgiving I spent three hours with these hams and I am grateful that I have three such awesome men as not only as bosses but as friends.

My seesters. Mom used to tell us that we should get along when we were little because one day my sisters would be my best friends. She was right. My sisters look past all the bad stuff that we used to put each other through as kids and now accept each other for the BFFs that we will always be. I would do anything for them, as I'm sure they would for me.

My parents. I would not be here without them.

My in-laws. Chris McCoy said it best. I don't dread seeing them, as the stereotype normally goes, but I enjoy spending time with all of them. In fact, I look forward to spending time with them. I am proud to share the McCoy name.

My husband. I don't understand why he loves me as much as he does, but I'm sure glad he does! No one else makes me laugh as much as Jake does. No one else makes me feel so loved, secure, and happy as he does (with the exception of my baby girl).

My daughter. Evelyn is my pride and joy. She is beautiful, loving, and all mine. I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful daughter. Being mommy isn't always the most glamorous job but it is the most important job I will ever have. She is my little miracle.

Hope all of you had a fantastic Thanksgiving! I am looking forward to all our Christmas festivities.

Love,

Sarah.

"L" is for the way you look at me.

"O" is for the only one I see. "V" is very, very extraordinary. "E" is even more than anyone that you can adore. I love that word. "Adore." That is how I feel about my husband.

The picture was taken about two weeks after we started dating, and here it is four years later and I love him more than ever. Sarah = LUCKY GIRL. XOXO, Sarah Mae.

Week of Anniversaries

September 29 was Rich and Laurie's 32 wedding anniversary! Jake and I are grateful to have such giving parents in our lives. I hope that we are able to be so giving, loving, and kind in another 31 years.

September 29 was also my 1 year anniversary with Panera, It's hard to believe that a year ago this week I was walking into a new job, unsure of myself and thinking that this would be just another paycheck. Turns out, I love my job and am proud to say I am a part of the Panera Bread Co. And it shows that with a little elbow grease and determination, you can do anything.

Jake celebrated his 31st birthday on Friday! We were so happy that the whole McCoy clan in to celebrate with us. Jake worked at both Bergner's and Panera that day so I helped his coworkers celebrate by bringing in loads of lemon cupcakes. Today everyone ate lunch together and spent the afternoon lazing around the house.

Here is the part where I get all mushy and embarass Jake: I love you, Jake McCoy. More than anything, with the exception of our beautiful daughter. I am so unbelievably grateful that God placed you in my life. You make every day worthwhile, and the two of us have this amazing little girl, who worships the ground you walk on. She adores her daddy as do I. As Evie would say, "Happy to you, Daddy." I hope that your birthday celebrations helped to show you how much your family loves and appreciates you. <3

Sunday in St, Louis

Evie and I traveled with Rich and Laurie to visit StL for the day. Jessie and Chris recently moved into their new apartment, and we were fortunate enough to check it out! I took a walking tour with the Flip video, so Ginny and Jake could take a look. We all ate at Hodak's (yummy!). After we stuffed ourselves silly, Evie, Laurie, Jessie, and I all headed to the Magic House and spent most of the afternoon looking at all the cool stuff while the boys chilled with a couple of beers and a football game. Thanks to Jessie and Chris for having us. We had a blast! Love, Sarah <3

Giggling in Bed

The best part of yesterday afternoon and this morning was the snuggle time I had with Jake and Evie. It was filled with comfort, love, and MAJOR giggles.

I love them so much, and I am definitely putting this in our "memory vault."